This morning we went to the Williamsburg Farmer's Market to get some vegetables and some fall apples. I thought since we were in Williamsburg, we should explore a few trails at the New Quarter Park.
To get to the park from the Farmer's Market in Merchant Square--it was pretty easy. We went on the Colonial Parkway, exited at Queen's Lake. Turn right onto Hubbard Lane. Turn right onto Lakeshead and that road takes you directly into the park.
The paths are pea gravel in some places, sand and dirt in others. Lots of tree roots so you have to be careful where you walk. There is also a paved path for bicycles.
Like many other parks in this area, this park has lots of history signs. In the early 1700's, Robert "King" Carter named this tract "New Quarter", one of the many quarters or farms that made up his landholding. He gave it to his grandson, Carter Burwell, who built Carter's Grove Plantation.
During the Civil War, Union troops at Fort Monroe launched a campaign to take Richmond, the Confederate capital. Earthworks were built to slow the advance; and you can still see Redoubts 12 and 13 at this park today.
We stopped at a lookout over Queen's Lake. Queen's Lake is actually a private lake purchased by the surrounding homeowners for $75,000 in 1952.
Al stopped to look at the fire pit and saw evidence that a raccoon had been digging through the cold ashes in search of something to eat. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' Birding and
Wildlife Trail program has recognized New Quarter Park as one of coastal
Virginia's best sites for wildlife-watching and hiking. We didn't see any live critters--other than the ones we brought with us!
Wish you were here,
Joyce
Sammy & PG
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